News

White Plains, N.Y. – The USTA today announced that one of its longest standing partners, American Express, has entered into a multi-year renewal of its USTA and US Open sponsorship. American Express first became a sponsor of the US Open in 1994. Through its partnership, American Express contributes to the growth and health of the sport of tennis from the grassroots level to the pinnacle of the sport at the US Open. American Express also provides Card Members and fans with exceptional service, access and digital experiences that engage them in the game of tennis at the US Open and digitally throughout the country during the tournament.

Over the course of its expanded relationship with the US Open, American Express will support the on-going transformation of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The USTA is in the midst of a $500 million reimagining of the National Tennis Center which will include a retractable roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium, two new stadiums including a new Grandstand Stadium in the southwest quadrant of the NTC campus, and a new Louis Armstrong Stadium on its existing footprint, as well as a completely upgraded grounds experience for fans. As part of the renewal and expansion of the National Tennis Center, American Express will work with the USTA to innovate how fans experience the US Open, while providing increased amenities and services for American Express® Card Members and US Open fans.

“We are thrilled to be continuing a long and fruitful partnership with one of the world’s most innovative and successful brands,” said Lew Sherr, USTA Chief Revenue Officer. “American Express is ready to support our vision to redefine tennis in the U.S., both through our transformation of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and the creation of the New Home of American Tennis in Orlando, FL. They truly are embracing tennis from the grassroots to the pinnacle of the sport.”

“For more than 20 years, the US Open has been a terrific platform for us to deliver unforgettable experiences to our Card Members and showcase the stellar service and access we can offer to fans. Like our Card Members, we love this game and the US Open, and we’re excited to announce this extension of our partnership with the USTA,” said Deborah Curtis, vice president, global sponsorships and experiential marketing, American Express. “As the US Open continues to reimagine its infrastructure, we believe we have a unique opportunity to evolve and expand how we serve our Card Members and fans onsite and across the country, while helping to grow the sport of tennis.”

At the US Open, American Express has continually worked with the USTA to elevate the fan experience. American Express joined the USTA in pioneering and programming the US Open American Express Fan Experience, which has leveraged technologies to serve fans and present tennis in engaging ways. Previous offerings in the Fan Experience included professional swing analysis, MyOpen Pass, an RFID-enabled wristband which aggregates a fan’s experience at the US Open, and the Rally Cam, in which fans could capture a 180-degree sharable candid video. This year, American Express is unveiling “You Vs. Sharapova,” a virtual reality experience,where fans will be able to try their hand at returning Maria Sharapova’s blistering serves, volley against her and more.

In addition to the US Open, American Express will continue to impact the sport through its sponsorship of the “Fresh Courts” program, a facet of the USTA’s Facility Assistance Program that refurbishes and builds tennis courts in communities around the country. In the past five years, American Express has helped the USTA refurbish over 100 courts.

This year’s US Open is scheduled from August 31 through September 13, with the US Open Qualifying Tournament beginning on August 25.